Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will transition its operations to NetEase starting January 2024. This change, while potentially signaling a shift in Square Enix's mobile strategy, should be seamless for players, as save data and progress will transfer.
Despite numerous recent game closures, this popular mobile spin-off of the acclaimed RPG will continue. However, the decision to outsource operations to NetEase raises questions about Square Enix's future mobile game development.
This news follows the recent announcement of a mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV, a project facilitated by the enthusiasm of Tencent's subsidiary, Lightspeed Studios. The outsourcing of Octopath Traveler to NetEase, coupled with the FFXIV mobile partnership, suggests a potential scaling back of Square Enix's direct involvement in the mobile gaming market.
This strategic shift might have been foreshadowed as early as 2022 with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. While the survival of Octopath Traveler is positive news, the outsourcing is still regrettable, especially considering the significant player interest in Square Enix mobile games, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception to the FFXIV mobile announcement.
For players seeking alternative RPG experiences while awaiting the transition, a curated list of the top 25 best Android RPGs is available.
